ELECTRICIAN TRADE TEST

The following is the ECA (SA) Criteria applicable for candidates wishing to undergo the Section 28
Trade Test:
A candidate may undertake a Trade Test with 3 years relevant workplace experience provided
he/she has successfully completed Modules M0 to M6 practical training and has a four subject
N2 qualification (which includes electrical trade theory) or successfully completed the N2
Equivalent Test OR
If Modules M0 to M6 practical training has not been undertaken by the candidate, then 5 years
relevant workplace experience will be required plus a four subject N2 qualification (which
includes electrical trade theory) or successfully completed the N2 Equivalent
Please contact your ECA (SA) Regional Office about the cost, dates, times and availability of courses.
REGISTRATION AS AN ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR
Registration with the Electrical Contracting Board (ECB) can only be done via the ECB Office in
Pretoria. ECB does not do registrations any longer.
Registration as an Electrical Contractor to be equipped with a Wireman Licence must be done
through the Department of Labour.
Once the electrician has received his wireman licence, it has to be activated with the
Department of Labour for a one year / three year period. Once the licence is activated, the
electrician would be given a Registration Number by the Department. This registration number
would allow a Contractor to purchase Certificates of Compliance. This document must be
submitted as proof when purchasing electrical certificates.
For any queries and or assistance please contact your ECA (SA) Regional Office.
REGISTRATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOUR (DoL) AS AN ACCREDITED PERSON
REFER TO CRITERIA DOCUMENT OF DEPARTMENT OF LABOUR ATTACHED
There are three categories of Registered Persons:
1. Electrical Tester for Single Phase: An electrician who has been registered as an electrical
tester for single phase in terms of regulation 11 (2) for the verification and certification of the
construction, testing and inspection of electrical installations supplied by a single-phase
electricity supply at the point of control, excluding specialised electrical installations.
2. Installation Electrician: An electrician who has been registered as an installation electrician in
terms of regulation 11 (2) for the verification and certification of the construction, testing and
inspection of any electrical installation, excluding specialised electrical installations.
3. Master Installation Electrician: An electrician who has been registered as a master installation
electrician in terms of regulation 11 (2) for the verification and certification of the construction,
testing and inspection of any electrical installation.
For each of the the registered person types above, there are three options for registration:
1. Practical knowledge
2. Theoretical knowledge
3. Knowledge of statutory requirements
Each of the options above contains criteria or conditions that the applicant has to fulfill before applying
for registration see below:

Electrical tester for single phase

Option 1: Minimum integrated practical and theoretical qualification
A candidate must achieve a national certificate in electrical engineering: NQF level 3, issued by

the Energy Sector Education and Training Authority (ESETA)

Submit documentary proof of having successfully completed unit standards on inspection, testing
and certification of single-phase domestic installations as prescribed by the ESETA.
Submit proof of one year of practical experience or training (certificate of service from an
employer or a national certificate in electrical engineering: NQF level 4) in electrical installation
work after achieving the national certificate in electrical engineering: NQF level 3

Submit proof of a working knowledge of the legislation and relevant health and safety standards
applicable to single phase electrical installations, assessed by an ESETA registered assessor.
Option 2: Practical qualification
A candidate must submit proof of having passed the prescribed trade test in terms of the
Manpower Training Act of 1981 in one of the following trade disciplines: electrician; electrician
(engineering); electrician (construction); millwright (electro-mechanical) or lift mechanic

Submit documentary proof of successful completed unit standards on inspection, testing and
certification of single-phase domestic installations as prescribed by the ESETA

Achieve a National N2 Certificate with the following compulsory subjects: mathematics,

engineering science and electrical trade theory, OR achieve a Grade 11 (standard 9) certificate

with mathematics, science and technica electrical or an equivalent subject that may include a
N2 subjects. (Note 1: the candidate must pass each subject with a minimum of 40%. Note 2:
these minimum theoretical subjects may be a combination of Grade 11 and N2 subjects.)
The candidate must also submit proof of working knowledge of the legislation and relevant health
and safety standards applicable to single phase electrical installations, assessed by an ESETA
registered assessor.
Option 3: Practical experience
A candidate must provide 5 years proven experience in electrical installation work (letter from
employers or certificate of service from employer)
Prove competence in constructing a single phase electrical installation as well as knowledge of

basic electrical principles assessed by an ESETA accredited training provider

Submit documentary proof of having successfully completed unit standards on inspection, testing

and certification of single-phase domestic installations as prescribed by the ESETA;

Submit proof of working knowledge of the legislation and relevant health and safety standards
applicable to single phase electrical installations, assessed by an ESETA registered assessor.
Installation electrician
Option 1: Minimum integrated practical and theoretical qualification
A candidate must achieve a national certificate in electrical engineering: NQF level 4 issued by
the ESETA
Submit documentary proof of having successfully completed unit standards on inspection, testing
and certification of three phase industrial/commercial installations as prescribed by the ESETA;
Submit proof of knowledge on the legislation and relevant health and safety standards applicable
to electrical installations by having passed the subject: installation rules, as administered by the
Department of Education.
Option 2: Practical qualification

A candidate must submit proof of having passed the prescribed trade test in terms of the
Manpower Training Act of 1981 in one of the following trade disciplines: electrician, electrician
(engineering), electrician (construction), millwright (electro-mechanical) or lift mechanic

Submit documentary proof of having successfully completed unit standards on inspection, testing
and certification of three phase industrial/commercial installations as prescribed by the ESETA
Pass the national N3 certificate with the following compulsory subjects: mathematics,
engineering science and electrical trade theory or electro-technology, or grade 12 (standard 10)
certificate with mathematics, science and technica electrical or an equivalent subject that may
include a N3 subject. (Note 1: The candidate must pass each subject with a minimum of 40%;

Note 2: these minimum theoretical subjects could be a combination of Grade 12 and N3

subjects);
Submit proof of knowledge on the legislation and relevant health and safety standards applicable
to electrical installations by having passed the subject Installation Rules as administered by the
Department of Education.
Option 3: Theoretical qualification

A candidate must submit a diploma or degree in electrical engineering: T3 diploma (heavy

current), or S4 diploma (power engineering), or B-Tech degree, or BSc or Bachelors degree, or
government certificate of competency (factories or mines);
Submit documentary proof of successful completed unit standards on inspection, testing and

certification of three phase industrial/commercial installations as prescribed by the ESETA;

Submit proof of knowledge on the legislation and relevant health and safety standards applicable
to electrical installations by having passed the subject Installation Rules as administered by the
Department of Education.
Master installation electrician
Option 1: Minimum integrated practical and theoretical qualification
A candidate must be registered as an installation electrician for two years;
Submit proof of one years practical experience in hazardous locations;
Have achieved a national certificate in electrical engineering: NQF level 5 issued by the ESETA;
Submit documentary proof of having successfully completed unit standards on inspection, testing
and certification of specialised electrical installations in hazardous locations as prescribed by the
ESETA;

Submit proof of knowledge on the legislation and relevant health and safety standards applicable
to electrical installations by having passed the subject Specialised Electrical Installation Codes
as administered by the Department of Education.
Option 2: Practical qualification
A candidate must be registered as an installation electrician for two years;
Submit proof of one years practical experience in hazardous locations;
Submit documentary proof of having successfully completed unit standards on inspection, testing
and certification of specialised electrical installations in hazardous locations as prescribed by the
ESETA;
Submit a national N6 certificate with one of the following subjects: electrotechnics, or fault finding
and protection devices, or industrial electronics;
Submit proof of knowledge on the legislation and relevant health and safety standards applicable
to electrical installations by having passed the subject Specialised Electrical Installation Codes
as administered by the Department of Education.
Option 3: Practical qualification

A candidate must be registered as an installation electrician for two years;

Submit proof of one years practical experience in hazardous locations;

Submit documentary proof of having successfully completed unit standards on inspection, testing

and certification of specialised electrical installations in hazardous locations as prescribed by the

ESETA;
Sbmit a diploma or degree in electrical engineering: T3 diploma (heavy current), or S4 diploma
(power engineering), or B-Tech degree, or BSc or Bachelors degree, or government certificate
of competency (factories or mines);
Submit proof of knowledge on the legislation and relevant health and safety standards applicable

to electrical installations by having passed the subject Specialised Electrical Installation Codes
as administered by the Department of Education.
Foreign qualifications
Candidates are required to have all their theoretical foreign qualifications evaluated by the South
Africa Qualification Authority (SAQA) and the practical qualifications verified by ESETA
accredited providers.
The following documents must accompany the prescribed application form:
Proof of practical proficiency (trade document);

Proof of theoretical proficiency (academic records);

Proof of legal knowledge proficiency (examination results);

Proof of unit standard achievements;

Copy of Identification document or passport;
Two ID photos (25 mm x 30 mm) colour or black & white;
Un-cancelled revenue stamps to the value of R75.
Note: All copies to be certified
Application for a Wiremans License is made to the Department of Labour.